Assembly/AU/Decl.2(XVIII) Page 3 1. 2. REAFFIRM: i) Our determination to pool our efforts to develop integrated, reliable and efficient infrastructure networks of transport, energy, telecommunications ICT and trans-boundary water, as well as their associated services; ii) The urgent need to enhance access to transport, energy and water infrastructure and services, for the majority of the African population as well as access to electronic applications (e-gov, e-education, e-health); iii) The importance for African financial institutions, to spare no effort to better support the implementation of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa; iv) The need to fully involve the private sector in infrastructure development in Africa. UNDERTAKE TO: i) Promote harmonization of regulations and standards to ensure interconnection, efficient operations and security of networks, and market development; ii) Establish an appropriate institutional framework for the development of major integrative projects and carry out the necessary reforms to ensure their better operation and maintenance; iii) Contribute financially to the Special Fund of the NEPAD Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility and the African Water Facility; iv) Increase public financing of infrastructure and promote public-private partnerships to speed up infrastructure development; v) Enhance production of, and inter-State trade in, energy by implementing major integrative hydroelectric power projects and high capacity oil refineries as well as gas and oil pipelines; vi) Develop new and renewable energy resources in order to provide clean, reliable, affordable and environmentally friendly energy as well as nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in order to sustainably meet Africa’s long-term energy needs; vii) Accelerate the construction of missing links and the development and modernization of railways, and increase of ports capacity;